At the BEAM lab, we study how early experiences shape the way children think, remember, and learn.
Our work is grounded in a central goal: to understand the mechanisms through which experience, ranging from daily family interactions to broader contextual stressors, become embedded in children’s cognitive and socioemotional development. We take a multi-level, ecological approach, examining how factors at the level of the child, family and broader environment interact to influence developmental outcomes.
We are particularly interested in how early experiences shape attention, memory, and learning, and how these processes support children’s ability to succeed in academic and everyday contexts. Our research explores direct and indirect pathways of influence, including how caregiver behaviors, environmental stress, and contextual factors work together to shape developmental trajectories. A key focus of the BEAM lab is identifying conditions that promote resilience. We aim to understand how supportive relationships and environments can buffer risk and foster positive development.
The BEAM lab is also a collaborative training environment for students at the Mount. We utilize a structured, peer-mentorship model that supports students as they progress from new volunteers to independent contributors and emerging researchers. Students develop foundational research skills, gain experience with data collection and analysis, and take on increasing levels of responsibility. We are committed to fostering a lab culture that emphasizes mentorship, inclusivity, and intellectual curiosity and we value diverse perspectives as essential to strong and impactful science.
Ultimately, our mission is to generate research that is both rigorous and meaningful to advance our understanding of development and inform practices and policies that support children and families across diverse contexts.
I am a junior in college majoring in psychology, driven by a curiosity to understand why people think and behave the way they do. Growing up in Honduras has played a big role in shaping my perspective, especially in how culture and environment influence mental health and personal experiences. In my academic journey, I have had the opportunity to work in research using C. elegans and rodent models, where I developed a deeper appreciation for the biological side of behavior and the process of scientific discovery. These experiences have not only strengthened my interest in psychology but have also motivated me to continue exploring how research can be used to better understand and support others.
I am a psychology undergraduate at Mount St. Mary’s University preparing for a future career in clinical psychology. I am especially interested in understanding and supporting children’s emotional and psychological development. In my role as a research assistant, I am committed to creating a respectful, safe, and positive experience for both children and their families who choose to participate in our research.
In this study, mothers and their child will join us on Zoom two times over the course of six months. During the visit, your child will play simple games and activities designed to understand how children think and learn. You and your child will also talk together about some past memories you share.
Our goal is to better understand how everyday interactions between parents and children can support strong memory, attention, and learning skills.
The BEAM lab collaborates on SAM, a research project originally conducted at Boston University. This study examines how young children develop the ability to remember and describe their past experiences, as well as how caregiver-child interactions support this process.
Do you have a child interested in participating in research? We rely on families to help us understand how children think, learn, and grow. We would love to meet you and your child. If you are interested in participating in one of our studies, please join our participant registry.
After you sign up, we will reach out to see if your child is a fit for one of our current studies.
Our studies take place via Zoom at a time that works best for your family. By participating, you and your child are helping researchers learn about how children develop and how families can support learning and well being.
Families who participate may also receive compensation for their time. If you have questions, please reach out to our Lab Leader: Dr. Arcadia Ewell
To stay up to date on our latest research and opportunities, follow the BEAM Lab on Facebook.